Sciences, M.A.T. (9-12 Certification)

What will I study?

The Master of Arts in Secondary Science Education program will prepare you to become
a certified high school science teacher with strong content knowledge and instructional
skills. The 48-hour master’s program is a collaboration between the College of Education
and the College of Arts and Science which will increase your science content knowledge
through taking five graduate level science courses and education courses.

You will participate in two internships during the program - Internship A is a 10
hour a week internship and Internship B is full-time student teaching - that will
prepare you to step into high school classrooms as an effective teacher. After your
first year, you will be engaged in education courses and internships with a small
cohort of other teacher candidates. Our program prepares you to teach national and
state standards through engaging and cutting edge pedagogy that is proven to increase
student learning.

What kinds of work will I be able to do?

With a 100 percent employment rate, the graduates of the program are sought after
for high school science teaching positions both locally and throughout the nation.

Will I be able to specialize?

You can earn a Master of Arts in Teaching degree in biology, chemistry, geology or
physics (natural science) through specific MAT tracks in each of these content areas.
Our program is also open to graduates of other science content areas as long as you
have the equivalent of an undergraduate degree in a science area.

By completing our program and passing the required state Praxis II exams, you are
first certified in either biology, chemistry or physics and then you can add on General
Science certification (to be able to teach all high school science disciplines) if
you have completed the required undergraduate coursework. You can also add on middle
level certification by taking one additional middle level curriculum course; this
certification allows you to teach middle school science.

Typical Course Work

Science Content Courses You will take 15 hours of graduate level science courses (courses vary by individual
and science area of specialization), which will help hone your science content knowledge
and prepare you to teach high school science.

Education CoursesYou will take 18 hours of instructional courses, such as science methods, technology
integration, reading in the content area, assessment, etc. to prepare you to teach
through innovative methods and earn South Carolina certification for teaching high
school science.

InternshipsYou will take 15 hours of internship courses that allow you to learn through authentic
classroom placements. You will work alongside experienced coaching teachers in local
schools to learn to best teach science and improve student learning.

For more information about curriculum or program requirements, please visit the academic bulletin.

What is the application process like?

Our program is open to graduates of any science content areas as long as you have
the equivalent of an undergraduate degree in a science area.

We offer a rolling admission to the Sciences, M.A.T. program and encourage applicants
interested in making a difference through teaching to apply at any time.

Ready to Apply?

Earn Additional Credits

You may participate in one of these programs (Senior Privilege or Accelerated), but
not both:

Senior PrivilegeIf you are a senior with 90 hours of undergraduate course work and a 3.0 GPA overall,
you may qualify to take up to 6 hours of graduate credit during your final semester.

Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's ProgramIf you are a senior with 90 hours of undergraduate course work and a 3.4 GPA in your
major area, you may qualify to take up to 12 hours of graduate credit during your
final semester. Learn more [pdf].